Knowing
all your hard-earned possessions are safe and sound is a big part of
relaxing when you’re on holiday.

Security
First

Plan
home security well in advance of leaving home. Once you’ve done it
the first time, it’s second nature for your next break and won’t
take a moment.

Things to think about:

Your insurance: Not just travel insurance, but home insurance. Are you covered while you’re away? It’s worth checking the terms of your policy, especially for requirements such as window locks or alarms.

Neighbours: Let people know when you’re away and if you can, ask someone to pop in and just make sure everything is okay.

Let your neighbours know you’re not expecting anyone, so they’re alerted if they see anyone on your property. If possible, let them know how they can contact you if they need to.

Your small valuables: Jewellery, collections or heirlooms all fall into this category. They’re often things we could never replace regardless of their actual monetary value.

Options include leaving them with friends, installing a safe somewhere in the house, or renting space in aself storage facility.

Choose a storage locker for a few small treasures so you’re not paying for an entire room if you don’t need one.

Keep Lists

Your phone is a handy place to keep lists of all kinds. Having lists of jobs to do also helps keep you organised so you don’t duplicate tasks or spend time worrying if you’ve done everything.

Taxi
bookings to the airport or your destination transfer to your hotel

Travel
agent contacts

Car
parking and costs if you’re using long stay at the airport

Important
contact numbers for family, friends etc.

Having
lists of mundane tasks helps too. Such as what you need to check one
last time before you lock the door and set off. Have you turned all
the lights off, or unplugged your hair straighteners? Is the gas off?
Are taps turned off properly and windows closed and locked? Is the
shed or garage locked up?

If
you’ve ever had those niggling doubts about whether you forgot
something or left something running, you’ll know how they can
really prevent you from relaxing. Make a list and tick things off as
you check them and you’ll never have to fret again.